Purpose

This drill allows athletes to perfect relay throws from outfield to infield to catcher.

Set Up

Outfielder sets up in outfield. Infielder sets up at edge of infield. Second infielder sets up in middle of infield. Catcher is at home plate.

Execution

  1. Infielder at edge of infield throws a ground ball or fly ball to outfielder who catches the ball and makes the relay throw back to the infielder at the edge of the infield.
  2. Infielder catches the ball, turns and makes the relay throw to the second infielder who is standing halfway between the edge of the infield and the catcher. He catches the ball, turns and makes the relay throw to home plate.
  3. Catcher catches the ball and makes a swipe tag.
  4. Catcher then drops into squat position, pretends runner is trying to steal, comes up and throws back to the infielder. He catches the ball and throws it to next infielder.
  5. He catches the ball and throws a ground ball or fly ball to outfielder and drill repeats.

Coaching Tips

  • Outfielder should be treating ground or fly ball like a real game situation – meaning he should either charge the ground ball or get behind the fly ball so that he is catching it with his momentum going forward.
  • Keep throws relatively short to get in a lot of repetitions.